THE MARQUESS OF HAMILTONasked the President of the Board of Trade, Whether any official inquiry will be held in order to ascertain the cause of the Dover Harbour authorities, as reported, not rendering timely assistance to the passengers and crew of the steam-ship "Strathelyde," whereby lives were lost which might, it appears, have otherwise been saved?
§ SIR CHARLES ADDERLEYThe Coroner's jury having found a verdict of "Manslaughter" against the master of the Franconia, it is impossible for the Board of Trade to institute an inquiry into the sinking of the Strathelyde until they know the issue of any proceedings which may be consequent on that verdict. Nor can they order an official inquiry into the conduct of the Dover Harbour authorities except as a part of an inquiry into the casualty. The Dover Board are, however, making a thorough investigation into the conduct of the master of the Palmerston, the harbour tug.